News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PM Joins BC 150th Celebrations

August 4, 2008
Victoria, British Columbia

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today joined British Columbians to celebrate BC's 150th birthday celebrations. The following is an abridgement of his remarks.

"150 years ago Sir James Douglas read the proclamation announcing the establishment of the Crown Colony of British Columbia. That day in 1858 will forever remain one of the most significant dates in our country's history.

"British Colombia has changed a lot since 1858. Today British Columbia has grown to become the third largest province in Confederation. It boasts a dynamic and growing economy and one of the most cosmopolitan cities of the world. And today BC continues to have a quality of life unrivalled around the world.

"But for all that British Columbia has changed, its essential beauty remains the same. Today, British Columbians are still pushing out to new frontiers as Canada's Pacific Gateway. At the same time British Columbians are equally comfortable in playing a leadership role within a strong, proud and united Canada.

"As a Westerner myself, I have always admired the contributions British Columbians made to our region and to our country. And although I live just on the other side of the Rockies, it's clear to me and so many other Canadians that our success as a country will be forever linked with the optimism, ideas and energy of the people who call British Columbia home.

"On behalf of your government in Ottawa, and indeed all Canadians, happy birthday British Columbia!"

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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Statement

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PM STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF NOBEL LAUREATE ALEKSANDR SOLZHENITSYN

August 4, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the following statement on the death of Nobel Laureate Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn:

"Writer, historian, and activist, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn was undoubtedly one of the key figures of the 20th Century. Himself a victim of the Soviet regime, Solzhenitsyn performed an invaluable service by vividly exposing us to the sheer brutality of Soviet communism. Solzhenitsyn taught us that the Soviet system was not just an alternative system that failed, but rather a cruel experiment to its very core.

"Solzenitsyn's courage encouraged millions under the communist yoke to boldly speak out against their oppressors in the search for freedom. He will undoubtedly remain an icon for all those seeking freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

"On behalf of all Canadians, I extend my condolences to Solzhenitsyn's family, and to all those who were influenced by his works."

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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Notice

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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Public events for August 5, 2008

August 4, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Public events for Prime Minister Stephen Harper for Tuesday, August 5th are:

Banff, AB

11:00 a.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will make brief remarks at an announcement. He will be joined by Ministers and members of the Conservative caucus.

Main gates of the Banff National Park
Banff, AB

*Open to media*

NOTE: Members of the media will need to present proper accreditation.

Winnipeg, MB

6:45 p.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will attend Folkorama where he will provide brief remarks. He will be joined by Ministers and members of the Conservative caucus.

Billy Mosienko Arena
709 Keewatin Street
Winnipeg, MB

*Open to media*

NOTE: Members of the media will need to present proper accreditation. Media registration is at the back entrance of the arena.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
[Note: You are receiving this e-mail for information only, and because you have subscribed to our distribution list. To modify your subscription or to have your name removed from the list, go to: (http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/subscribe.asp?login)]

Notice (REVISED)

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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Public events for August 4, 2008

August 3, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Public events for Prime Minister Stephen Harper for Monday, August 4th are:

Victoria, BC

12:00 p.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will give brief remarks at British Columbia's 150th Anniversary Celebration. He will be joined by Ministers and members of the Conservative caucus.

Main Stage
Legislative Precinct
Victoria, BC

*Open to media*

NOTE: Members of the media will need to present proper accreditation.

1:45 p.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will meet the Snowbirds at the BC Legislature following their performance at British Columbia's 150th Anniversary Celebration.

Esso Avitat
Contact Esso avitat for directions: (250) 656-3231 or (250) 655-2866

*Photo opportunity only*

NOTE: Members of the media will need to present proper accreditation.

Terrace, BC

4:00 p.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will give brief remarks at the Skeena-Bulkley Valley Members Event. He will be joined by Ministers and members of the Conservative caucus.

4119 Highway 37 S
Terrace, BC

*Open to media*

NOTE: Media must be on site by 3:30 p.m. and will have to show valid identification to receive accreditation.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
[Note: You are receiving this e-mail for information only, and because you have subscribed to our distribution list. To modify your subscription or to have your name removed from the list, go to: (http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/subscribe.asp?login)]